by Beverly Rae
“I guess maybe we should’ve come up with a plan first.”
Tucker nodded slowly. “I’m way ahead of you. I have an idea.”
“Good, because I’ve got nothing.”
He took her hand and squeezed. “Here’s what’s going to happen. But we have to be quick, okay?”
“Got it. What do you want me to do?” Mari’s words came out in a breathless rush. Don’t think. If you think about it too much… Just do it.
“I’ll break down the door, then grab the girl to throw him off since he’ll think I’ll be coming at him. You cast a spell on him, something to stop him or at least slow him down. Remember, don’t look him in the eyes.”
She could feel his uncertainty but didn’t blame him for being skeptical that she could pull it off after failing the first time. Even she wasn’t sure she could do it. “Okay. I’ve got the perfect spell in mind. But it’ll take a few seconds to get it all out.”
The worried expression on his face cut her to the bone. “I’ve got to ask one more time. Maybe you should sit this out?”
“And again. No way. I need to get payback for everything he’s done to me.” She straightened her shoulders and met his determined stare with one of her own. “Let’s do this.”
Amber gleamed in his eyes, and bones cracked as Tucker partially shifted. Growling low, he took a few paces back, then readied himself like an Olympic runner preparing to start a race. Mari gave him the thumbs-up and stepped out of the way.
Roaring, he ran at the door, ramming his shoulder against it. The door shook, then split off its hinges and fell to the floor inside the suite. Bascom and his woman whirled around from the wall-to-wall window as Mari and Tucker spilled into the room.
Having surprise on her side, Mari quickly murmured the hex that would freeze the vampire. How do you like the cold, Bascom?
Her heart pounded so loudly she almost expected it to burst open. Fear gripped her as flashes of him taunting her, touching her, raced through her mind. Clenching her hands into fists until her nails broke the new skin of her palms, she forced herself to repeat the spell.
Bascom lunged toward Mari, his fangs dripping with the blood of his lady. “Lillian, look out!” He raised his arms, his fingernails lengthening to razor-like spikes. Mari’s voice grew louder, a strange mix of confidence and fear, as she spoke the final words of the spell. Bascom’s eyes widened, and he howled an ear-splitting screech. Then he stopped, arms still extended, and froze in midcharge.
I did it! Oh, my God, I did it!
Lillian screamed, and Mari spun around to find Tucker holding the girl’s arms behind her back. A trickle of blood dripped down her neck from two puncture wounds.
“Let me go!” She struggled, but she was no match for Tucker.
“Take it easy. We’re not after you.”
“Maybe we are.” Mari’s gaze fell to the photographs on the coffee table. Pictures of Lillian leaning over a small child drew bile into her mouth. The woman, her fangs extended, stood over a glassy-eyed young girl. “She’s a vampire, too.” Mari glared at the woman. Until seeing the photos, she hadn’t thought she could detest anyone more than she did Bascom. “You feed on little kids?”
Tucker, however, didn’t appear surprised. Instead, he tugged Lillian along with him to get a look at the photos. “Damn, I was afraid of this.”
“Afraid of what?”
Lillian tried to break free, but Tucker easily held her. “She’s a newly made vampire. My guess is Bascom’s her maker, which explains his affection for her. Vampires don’t make new vampires unless they have a very strong connection with the newbie.”
Mari still didn’t understand. “So? What does that have to do with the photos?”
“New vampires like to feed on young children. They think the purity of a child’s blood makes them stronger. And I’d bet anything Bascom took the photos as keepsakes. Memories of their time together.”
“Oh, hell no.” Mari clamped a hand over her mouth, fearful her stomach would rebel against the images.
“Oh, hell yes.” Lillian cackled, and her green eyes grew dark. “You’re not a child, but you look very tasty. Turn me loose. Now.”
“Mari, turn away. Don’t look at her.”
Tucker’s warning came just in time as the chill emanating from Lillian prickled Mari’s skin. Mari whirled around, gasping for breath, and faced the older vampire. Although suspended in motion, Bascom’s dark eyes were alive and searching for hers. She tucked her head, searched around her and found his sunglasses lying on an armchair. Inching up on him and keeping her eyes averted, she slipped the glasses onto his head, then dared to look him in the face. An intense sensation hit her, but unlike before, she was able to keep it out of her mind. “Screw you, asshole. Tucker, let’s get this over with.”
“You bet.” Ripping a cord away from the brocade curtains, Tucker looped it around the woman’s wrists, then tied the other end to the heavy wooden arm of the huge sofa. He yanked the curtain from the rod, then tore off a strip of material to tie around Lillian’s head and cover her eyes. Satisfied, he sauntered over to stand in front of Bascom.
“Here’s the deal, vamp. You’re going to call a press conference and tell everyone you cheated. You won’t tell them about Mari being a witch, me being a werewolf or even out yourself.”
Bascom didn’t answer. “Mari, can you release him just enough for him to speak?”
“I think so.” She waved her hand in front of the vampire’s face.
“You flea-ridden mangy mutt. Get your witch-bitch to release me this instant and I might—” he gave them an evil grin, “—might let you live.”
Hearing his rich, malevolent voice again unnerved her, but she refused to let him see her reaction.
Tucker laughed and patted Bascom’s cheek. “You’re such a funny man. Have you ever thought of doing standup?”
Bascom’s efforts to move were written on his face, but he couldn’t budge. He gave up, but Mari could feel the intensity of his hatred wafting off him.
“Why should I do what you want?” Bascom’s icy voice raked over them.
“Because, my dear man.” Tucker’s imitation of Bascom’s attitude and speaking style were perfect. “If you do not, then I will tear your lady friend apart, inch by beautiful inch.”
“I do not believe you. You may be a werewolf, but you, sir, are no killer.”
Tucker smiled at him. “You’re right. I’m not a killer.” He yanked off his shirt, then started undoing his jeans and kicking off his boots.
“What’s happening?” Mari held her breath. Was he shifting?
But Tucker ignored her, his attention on Bascom. “I’m not a killer, but my wolf is.”
Bones cracked as Tucker’s nude body began changing. Limbs grew shorter, reshaping hands to paws, human legs to animal legs. His body grew blurry as white fur skimmed over his body, and he dropped to all fours. Growling a heart-wrenching sound, Tucker the human changed into Tucker the wolf.
“Wow.” She knelt, her hand extended, and Tucker walked into her arms. “You’re beautiful.” She laid her head against his shoulder and ran her hand along the white fur. The wolf side of Tucker was almost as wonderful as its human counterpart.
“He is an abomination.”
Mari stood, hating to let go of Tucker but knowing time was running out. Her spell wouldn’t hold forever. “Seriously, dude?” She jerked her head toward the photos. “He’s an abomination?”
Tucker growled, bumped her leg, then padded over to hop onto the sofa. He growled, placing his face and his long fangs next to Lillian’s face.
Mari faced Bascom. “I think you’d better do as he says.”
Bascom grew silent, his lips drawn back in a silent snarl. Mari waited, trying to appear more confident of his answer than she was.
“Fine. I will do as you command.”
Mari stood to the side of the stage. The media was in full force with reporters and photographers pushing as close to the platform as possib
le. Speculative murmurs floated around her and a few of the reporters asked her what was going on, but Mari only shrugged. Far be it from her to upstage Bascom’s lowest moment.
The chairman of the Las Vegas Poker Extravaganza Tournament Committee stepped up to the microphone. He’d been very upset when she and Bascom had walked into his office and told him that Bascom had cheated. But he’d acted swiftly, calling the press conference to announce Bascom’s disqualification.
The scowl on the chairman’s face made his already long features seem even longer. Had his hair turned grayer in the short time since he’d learned of Bascom’s cheating? He cleared his throat, testing the microphone.
“Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for coming on such short notice.” He swallowed, tucked his head, then straightened his shoulders. “I’m not going to go into the details. Suffice it to say the committee has received some rather disturbing information. Information we felt should be acted upon without delay.” He turned to glance at Bascom, who stood near the side of the platform, and scowled.
He faced the crowd again, then readjusted the mic. “Ty Bascom was crowned the champion in the Las Vegas Poker Extravaganza Tournament. It seems, however, we made a mistake in doing so.” He turned to motion Bascom to his side. “Mr. Bascom, if you would.”
Bascom’s head swiveled toward Mari and her heart skipped a beat. Just keep your sunglasses on, Bascom, or I sound the alarm. She clutched the phone in her hand. Tucker, still in his wolf form, listened on the other end as he stood guard over Lillian.
Bascom’s jaw clenched, then he faced the crowd. His body stiffened, his mouth opened, then closed. All at once, he smiled and relaxed his body.
Mari held her breath. Don’t try anything, vampire.
“I cheated.”
Tipping his head toward her, Bascom sauntered off the stage, leaving the flabbergasted audience behind.
Silence followed Bascom’s announcement as reporters and onlookers let his words sank in. Then one reporter raised his voice, shouting for an explanation, and the rest followed. An uproar ensued, but Mari remained quiet, stretching on her tiptoes to try to see where the vampire had gone. A cold tickle traveled up her spine, threatening to let fear take control.
She lifted the phone to her mouth. “Tucker, he did it. But then he just walked away and I couldn’t see where he went. Get out of there. Now.”
“I’m already here.”
Mari pivoted, bumping into the solid wall that was Tucker, and relief swamped her. “But what about Lillian?”
“Don’t worry. Daniel and the others finally arrived and took my place. I think they’re planning on a having a little chat with Bascom, too. Providing he doesn’t skip town and leave Lillian on her own.”
“Would he really leave her behind?” Mari punched the phone off, then flattened her hand against his chest, letting the strength of him steady her frayed nerves. “I thought he cared about her.”
“I think he does. But not as much as he cares about keeping his own hide safe.” He slid his hands up and down her arms, comforting her. “How are you doing?”
“I’m good.” He shot her a look, and she couldn’t help but confess the truth. “I’m a little shaky at times, but I’m getting better.”
He zeroed in on her. “You know he can’t hurt you anymore, right? I won’t let him.” His grin swept warmth over her. “Besides, you kicked his butt, remember?”
“Yeah, I sure did. But still, I’m happy you’re by my side.” She closed her eyes for a moment, enjoying the security of Tucker’s presence.
He hugged her tighter. “Where else would I be?”
“Ladies and gentlemen.” The chairman raised his hands to silence the group. “Rest assured that a complete investigation will be forthcoming. However, since Mr. Bascom has announced that he cheated and we have no reason not to believe him, we are hereby setting aside his win, holding his cash prize and awarding the championship to Tucker Manning.”
Almost as a unit, the spectators turned to Tucker. Microphones thrust toward him as the reporters and cameras moved closer.
“Tucker, tell us what your thoughts are.”
Flashes brightened the room and more reporters hammered questions at him. Did he know how Bascom cheated? Had he known during the tournament? Was Mari’s disqualification part of Bascom’s plan?
Instead of answering, Tucker gave her a wink and strode onto the stage. Once the room had quieted, he stepped forward to address the crowd.
“I’ll let the committee answer the questions pertaining to Ty Bascom. But like the rest of you, I am stunned by his flagrant misconduct. Poker is an honorable game played by honorable people. No one—” his gaze zeroed in on Mari, “—should ever use any means, any special gifts or any tricks to win.”
She smiled and nodded as pride for him soared through her.
The chairman sidled up beside Tucker. “Everyone, please help me in congratulating the true winner of the—”
“Hold up a sec.” Tucker eased the man back from the microphone. “Although I appreciate the honor, I can’t accept the championship.”
Another round of questions and flashes went off. Mari sent Tucker a questioning look. What was he up to?
“I’d like to make a suggestion.” He caught her gaze and held it. “And a challenge. I propose a heads-up match between myself and Ms. Thornton. Let’s find out who really is the best player. What do you say, Mari?”
Mari felt the heat rush to her face as everyone waited for her answer. But when she concentrated on Tucker, the noise and all the others faded away.
“Game on, Tucker.”
Chapter Ten
Lady Luck
“You ready to lose, witchy-poo?”
Mari chuckled, then bumped her shoulder against Tucker’s. “Are you so sure you’re going to win, cocky-dog?”
“Cocky? Maybe.” Tucker looked offended. “But dog? Ouch. Lady, never call a werewolf a dog. Besides, if I’m a dog, then that makes you my bi—”
“Don’t go there, wolfman.” Mari’s laugh turned a few heads.
They stood at the side of the room where the tournament had been held. The reporters, cameramen and spectators were back in their places along with Daniel and his pack. Mari rubbed her arms, fighting the sudden chill.
“Do you still feel the cold?” Tucker skimmed his soft eyes over her body until returning to her face.
“A little. But it gets better every day. I’m sure I won’t feel his touch much longer.”
“I hope you’re right. But don’t worry.” He slid an arm around her. “I’ll keep you warm.”
She followed his glance to the pack members sitting in the audience.
“I just wish Bascom hadn’t gotten away from Daniel. We still don’t know how he managed to slip Lillian out from under the pack’s watch.”
Mari scooted out of his hold, then shot him an apologetic look. “We don’t want everyone to know about our relationship yet. Do we?” Although she’d wanted to keep the information quiet, hoping to stem the flood of inevitable questions, she doubted it would be possible for much longer. A lot of people had seen their earlier kiss in this very room.
But after the tournament was over, then no holds barred. She thrilled at the thought of being with Tucker without worrying about their relationship going public.
“Whenever you’re ready for the world to know about us, I’ll be ready.”
“Ms. Thornton? Mr. Manning? We’re ready to begin.” The same tournament director was back in charge and waving them to the table.
After the introductions and announcements had been made, the lights and cameras centered on the two players seated directly across from each other. Mari adjusted the red silk top she wore and smoothed her black skirt.
“Lookin’ good there, darlin’.”
A few men chuckled. “Why thank you, sir.” She tossed her hair over her shoulder, exposing more of her cleavage. “I’m happy you noticed.”
“Oh, I did. I did.” Tucker sorted h
is chips. “Hey, how about a side bet?”
Mari sensed the reporters edging closer. Audiences loved side bets. She acted nonchalant and toyed with her stack. “What do you have in mind?”
“Do you remember the chair?”
Thrown off base, she looked into amber-flecked eyes. “The chair?”
“You know.” Tucker placed his forearms on the nonexistent arms of his chair, then pretended to try to pull them loose. “The chair.”
Heat whipped through her. “Oh. The chair. Right.” She was almost afraid to ask. But too excited not to. “What about it?”
“If I win, you have to sit in that chair.”
Mari swallowed at the lust in his expression and hoped no one else recognized the look for what it was. “And when I win?”
Tucker grinned. “Whoever wins controls the chair. Agreed?”
“Agreed.” Oh, Tucker, I am so going to win.
The dealer dealt the cards, drawing her attention back to the game. Mari lifted her cards and blinked. She was surprised her mouth didn’t hit the table. She fanned her cards, staring at them for longer than necessary, then placed them facedown on the table. Lady Luck was definitely on her side. Mari shook her head, refusing to take any cards.
“None?” Tucker narrowed his eyes. “You’ve either landed an incredible—not to mention almost impossible hand—or you’re bluffing.” He studied her a bit longer before pushing all his chips to the middle of the table. “I think you’re bluffing.”
The collective inhale from the audience was no surprise to Mari. No one ever went all in on the first deal. Mari let out a breath, picked up her cards, then matched Tucker’s bet.
Again, the audience reacted, cheering at the phenomenal nerve of both players. The announcer tried to keep his voice down, but his excitement had his pitch rising as he related what had just happened. Both players had made bold moves. But who would win?
“Are you sure you didn’t use magic? I mean who gets a royal flush on the first deal?” Tucker gave Mari a suspicious look.
